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Jun262024 by James LongmanNo Comments

What Does the IP63 Rating Mean?

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Electronic devices' resilience to environmental elements is crucial. Various standards often measure this resilience, particularly the IP (Ingress Protection) rating system.  The IP rating system not only informs consumers about the robustness of their devices but also serves as a critical benchmark for manufacturers during the design and production stages.  This article aims to delve into the specifics of the IP63 rating, explaining what it means, how it is part of the broader IP rating system, and its implications for both consumers and manufacturers. Understanding the IP Rating System Origins and Definition The IP rating system is a globally recognized standard used to define levels of sealing effectiveness of electrical enclosures against intrusion from fo...

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Jun262024 by James LongmanNo Comments

What Does IP64 Rating Mean?

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Understanding the IP64 rating is crucial in sectors where durability and environmental resistance are key product features. This article delves into the IP (Ingress Protection) rating system, emphasizing the IP64 rating.  Designed for manufacturers, engineers, and consumers, this discussion aims to shed light on how IP64-rated devices maintain their integrity in specific environments, guiding the selection process for optimal protection against dust and water ingress. The Basics of IP Rating The Ingress Protection (IP) rating system is a universally recognized scheme defined by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) under the standard IEC 60529. It provides a two-digit code to classify protections: the first digit represents protection against solids (0-6), ...

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May22024 by James LongmanNo Comments

What Does IP62 Rating Mean?

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The Ingress Protection (IP) rating system provides valuable insights into a device's ability to withstand various environmental factors, such as dust, moisture, and other foreign particles. IP62 stands out as a notable benchmark for protection against specific elements among the many IP ratings. Understanding the nuances of the IP62 rating can help consumers make informed decisions when selecting devices for their needs. What Does the IP62 Rating Signify? The IP62 rating is an indication of robust protection against solid particles and a basic level of protection against liquids. Specifically, the '6' in IP62 means that the device is completely protected against dust, offering a dust-tight enclosure that allows no ingress of any dust particles, which is crucial for maintainin...

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May22024 by James LongmanNo Comments

What Does IP61 Rating Mean?

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The IP61 rating is a classification used to describe the level of protection an electronic device offers against solids and liquids. This rating, part of the broader Ingress Protection (IP) system, helps consumers understand how well a device can withstand environmental factors like dust and water.  Understanding IP ratings is crucial when selecting equipment for specific conditions, ensuring durability and functionality.  What is an IP61 Rating? An IP61 rating is a part of the Ingress Protection (IP) rating system, which is an internationally recognized standard that classifies the degree of protection provided by mechanical casings and electrical enclosures against intrusion, dust, accidental contact, and water. The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) ...

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Apr292024 by James LongmanNo Comments

What Does IP60 Rating Mean?

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The Ingress Protection (IP) rating system is a critical framework developed by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) that categorizes the degree of protection an enclosure offers electrical equipment against foreign bodies and moisture. IP ratings is vital for both consumers and manufacturers, as these ratings directly impact the safety, functionality, and longevity of devices. Understanding IP Ratings Ingress Protection (IP) ratings are used to classify the degree of protection provided by an enclosure against the intrusion of solid objects, dust, accidental contact, and water. The IP rating system is internationally recognized and consists of two digits following the letters "IP." The first digit represents the level of protection against solids, while the sec...

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Apr292024 by James LongmanNo Comments

Lost my AirPods Case – Find Them Instantly!

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Losing your AirPods case can be frustrating. Without it, you cannot charge and protect your expensive earbuds. However, with the right tools and techniques, you can quickly locate your lost case.  Some of the ways to locate your AirPods case includes “Find My” app, “Lost Mode” etc. There are many ways for you to prevent it too. AirPods Pro 2nd Generation has a more accurate tracking ability because of its U1 chip. Let’s look at these in detail to find your missing AirPods case, whether across town or hidden in your home.  “Find My” to Locate Your AirPods Case Apple's “Find My” app is the best way to find your lost AirPods case. By following these step-by-step instructions, you can quickly pinpoint the location of your case: 1. When Your AirPods are in the Case:

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Mar52024 by James LongmanNo Comments

What is Treble in Music?

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Treble constitutes the highest frequency in music - from 4,000 Hz to 20,000 Hz. Handling treble properly when mixing brings out detail and airiness in vocals, cymbals, and guitars without harshness. What instruments use treble ranges? How do treble sub-ranges differ? This article breaks down the science and art of mixing treble. Defining Treble Frequencies Treble is the highest frequency in music. Treble refers to high frequencies from 4,000 Hz to 20,000 Hz. This defines the upper limit of human hearing. While bass provides warmth and mids carry speech, treble adds airiness and detail to music. Boosting treble makes music brighter; attenuating makes a darker sound. The right treble balance ensures clarity without harshness or fatigue. Cymbals, acoustic/electric guitars,...

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Sep142023 by Pawan SinghNo Comments

What is a Vinyl Record? What are They Made of?

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Feels like it's been ages when music wasn't just a click away from us. Back then, playing music was a physical act of putting a record manually. Well, if you're nodding your head in agreement or are getting fascinated with this, you're in for a treat. The evergreen Vinyl records are once again back in the trend with their charm and warm sound, and there's a reason why they've never faded into obscurity. In this article, we'll go through the A to Z of a Vinyl Record. From their making to playing them and even taking care of them, we'll uncover everything that you'll need to know before you head out to bring back the legendary music player.  So, let's get to the bottom of it and start with what these Vinyl Records actually are. What is a Vinyl Record? A vinyl record is ...

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Dec52023 by Pawan SinghNo Comments

How to Set Up Karaoke at Home?

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Karaoke sessions are the life of any party. They help create a vibe while ensuring everyone can join in on the fun. You get to sing your favorite songs and party with your friends, thanks to the lyrics on the screen. While karaoke bars are a great place to start, they can be quite expensive at the end of the night.  Not just that, you can’t always enjoy a family-friendly setting at karaoke bars. And, in such cases, you might want to set up and do karaoke at home. So how do you do it? And is it more feasible than opting for a commercial place?  Here’s all you need to know about doing karaoke at your home and creating that killer vibe at your parties and get-togethers. What Gear Will You Need for Karaoke? Firstly, you’ll need a karaoke machine, which is quite obvio

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Nov292023 by Ian SnieskoNo Comments

How to Clean an Electric Guitar?

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Many players underestimate how keeping your guitar clean affects tone and playability. You can take your instrument to the next level with simple tools and easy steps, all without spending a dime. However, even though guitars can take quite a beating when touring, they are somewhat delicate regarding the cleaning process. There are a few materials you should and shouldn't use and common practices that will prevent your instrument from getting damaged. In this article, as a fellow guitar player, I will guide you step-by-step on how to clean an electric guitar and give you a few tips on how to always keep your guitar in pristine condition. Let's get started. How Do I Clean My Electric Guitar? Most guitars can be easily cleaned using a microfiber cloth, some conditioning ...

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Sep192023 by Ian SnieskoNo Comments

Use These Tips to Make Your Microphone Sound Better!

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  Whether you're recording vocals for your new song, voice overs or even live streaming, the sound quality of your microphone can make or break your work. There are a lot of factors that go into how much sound quality you will get from your microphone. These include which kind of device you're using, your audio interface, the room you're in, proper setup, and even your cables. While there is no universal solution, the good news is you probably don't need to spend money on a new microphone. You can greatly improve the quality of your captures with the tips and tricks we will discuss in the article. By the way, I'm Ian. I'm a music producer and audio enthusiast with 10 years of experience, here to help you make your microphone sound better. Let's get into the article! ...

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Nov292023 by Ian SnieskoNo Comments

How to Listen to Music While Swimming [5 Best Methods]

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Listening to music while swimming is an excellent idea. It can help you focus, relax and get more performance overall. However, not all devices and headphones can be taken into the water with you. To listen to music while swimming, you need a waterproof music player or a pair of waterproof BlueTooth headphones. Luckily, there are many products with different designs in the market to choose from. I'm Ian, a music enthusiast with 10 years of experience, and in this article, I will explain to you how you can listen to music while swimming. How Do You Listen to Music While Swimming? You can listen to music while swimming by wearing a pair of waterproof headphones or a mini music player designed for that type of activity. The best method will depend on different factors. Bel...

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Sep192023 by Pawan SinghNo Comments

What is Mic Peaking and How to Fix it?

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Many musicians, broadcasters, and different audio professionals face a common problem while recording their audio called mic peaking. This happens when the volume of your microphone input exceeds the maximum level of your recording equipment. When these tools fail to handle the volume of your audio, you hear a distorted and overdriven sound. And, if you are also going through this problem, then you are in the right place.  In this article, I'll cover almost all the important aspects of mic peaking and even provide actionable tips to fix this problem instantly. Not just that, I'll also talk about how you can avoid this common audio recording problem in the first place so you can capture pristine and clear audio every time. So, whether you're a seasoned pro or a newbie in aud...

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Sep52023 by Pawan SinghNo Comments

How To Solve Common Audio Recording Problems [Solution]

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If you're a music artist, podcaster, or anyone who relies on good-quality audio recording, you know how frustrating it can be when things don't go as planned. From buzzing microphones to distorted sound, there is a myriad of potential problems that can arise during the recording process. But don't worry, I’ve figured out the solutions for you.  I have been recording audio for my professional work, and over time, I’ve faced many similar problems. In this blog post, I will explore some of the most common audio recording problems and offer solutions for how to fix them. So, let's dive straight into it. Top 10 Most Common Audio Recording Problems Here are the 10 most common recording problems people generally face, along with some quick solutions. 1. Wind noise  Y

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Jan232023 by Pawan SinghNo Comments

What Is a DSP and Do I Need One?

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If you were unsatisfied with your default car speakers and you have been thinking about installing expensive speakers for better sound quality, you might not need them. Because you can make your car’s music system much better with a Digital Signal Processor (DSP).  It gives you a range of controls over your sound system and is essential to overcome the factory flaws of the music player in your car.  Let’s understand more about this device and see how it can make your music sessions while you drive more groovy than ever before.  What is a DSP? A car audio Digital Signal Processor (DSP) is a modern technology that enhances the audio output coming from a car’s sound system. It uses digital algorithms to process the audio and optimize it for a specific speaker w

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Sep252023 by James LongmanNo Comments

Stereo vs Mono – Differences and Comparison [Explained]

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If you’re an audio enthusiast or just a casual listener, we all tend to get terms mixed up in our head sometimes. Mono and stereo are two of the most basic words in the music industry that tend to get misunderstood.  As an audio engineer who has released dozens of music albums and worked in live sound reinforcement, I will use my knowledge and expertise to tell you all about the differences and similarities between mono and stereo.  In this article, I'll detail what mono and stereo are, what makes something mono or stereo, what typical uses are there for each, and much more.  I won't delve into complex technical aspects of the history of mono and stereo. Instead, let's laser-target the issue at hand and check if there is such a thing as stereo vs. mono. What

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Dec222022 by James LongmanNo Comments

What is a Keynote Speaker – Everything You Need to Know

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The meaning of a keynote speaker lies in the name itself - to deliver the “key note” of the event. These speakers set the main agenda and tone for the conference or event while the other speakers add to the surrounding themes.  Many people would recognize former Apple CEO Steve Jobs as a great tech leader and an outstanding communicator, but not a lot would consider that his role as a keynote speaker is in no minor part a reason for Apple’s success. Like him, many others excel in this specific role. I’m an artist who had the chance to perform as a keynote speaker at numerous events and have watched and listened to some great speakers, as well. I also studied discourse and stage performance as part of my training as an artist. As such, I know this is a crucial component in m

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Sep52023 by Ian SnieskoNo Comments

Is Noise Canceling Bad for Your Ears: Explained

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Is noise canceling bad for your ears? Noise canceling is not necessarily bad for your hearing or health, provided you are mindful of your listening habits. Noise cancellation is a very useful technology, especially in the noisy world we live in. It helps us focus, relax and be more present in our listening experiences.  The idea that the technology might damage your ears in some way comes from  the notion that many people nowadays are spending more and more time with their headphones and earphones on. However, there are a few factors that we must be mindful of in order to achieve a healthy listening experience. In this article, we will explain what's behind the noise-canceling technology and go through everything you must know to use this feature without causing ...

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Nov282023 by Pawan SinghNo Comments

Best Turntables Under $500 [Top 10 Picks]

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No matter how good your vinyl collections are, a good turntable amps up your listening experience. I say this because the turntable and needle, which translate the record’s groves and give an audio signal, are critical components for your analog music system. So, if you are looking for the best turntable under $500, we’ve got the list for you.  Our personal favorite is the Fluance RT85. It comes with very consistent playback and gives very low resonance. This turntable provides an enjoyable listening experience and is worth every penny of your investment. Since everyone needs different device specifications, the list below has other equally good turntables with stand-out features and specs. Let's dive in and check out the top 10 turntables under $500 in below. 10 Best T

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Jan102024 by James LongmanNo Comments

6 Best Spotify Equalizer Settings To Make Music Better

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In this article, we explore the optimal Spotify equalizer settings to improve your music listening experience. We highlight that the best settings depend on personal taste and the type of audio equipment used. Various presets and manual adjustments are suggested for different genres and audio setups. Additionally, we cover how to access Spotify's equalizer on various devices and operating systems. The article also touches on other Spotify features like audio normalization, audio quality levels, and hardware acceleration, which can further enhance audio quality. If you want a better listening experience with Spotify, buying a pair of high-quality headphones can be expensive. Luckily, there is a way to significantly improve your sound without spending a dime: using the built-in eq...

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Sep292022 by James LongmanNo Comments

How to Pair Skullcandy Wireless Earbuds?

Blog, How to

What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Skullcandy wireless earbuds? A myriad of color options? Bass-heavy signature sound? Great performance for the price? Excellent battery life? Rugged build? Or maybe all of the above? Yeah, we all know Skullcandy makes great earbuds, but there’s one bad (or at least not so great) thing that all wireless earbuds have in common, and Skullcandy earbuds are not an exception. We’re talking about controls. That’s going to be our main topic today. But not controls in general – we are going to talk only about pairing. We’ll show you how to pair Skullcandy wireless earbuds and how to troubleshoot pairing issues.  Whether you want to learn how to pair Skullcandy wireless earbuds for the first time, pair them with another device, p

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Jan102024 by James Longman2 Comments

What Does IPX7 Waterproof Rating Mean?

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In this article, we explore the IPX7 waterproof rating, indicating a device's ability to withstand immersion in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes. We delve into the distinction between water-resistant and waterproof terms and offer guidelines on using and maintaining IPX7-rated audio devices effectively. Have you ever heard about the IPX7 rating? Have you ever found it on the back of your headphone or speaker box but you didn't know what it stands for? Well, if this is the case, we advise you to read this article and find out why it’s so important. Even if you have some basic knowledge about IP ratings, stay with us and you might be able to find some interesting information you haven’t heard before. Many products today have some kind of IP protection and the level of that protectio

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Sep292022 by James LongmanNo Comments

Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) Explained

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Noise is an omnipresent occupational hazard. So many workers, especially industry and construction workers all over the US, are exposed to excessive noise levels. Long-term exposure to these noise levels can cause hearing loss but can also affect human health in other ways. That’s why it’s so important to limit the exposure to excessive noise or, if that’s not possible, to use a hearing protection device (HPD). The market is flooded with all kinds of hearing protection earmuffs and earplugs, but which one should you choose?  The most important characteristic you should be looking for when choosing a hearing protection device is the device’s noise reduction rating (NRR). In layman’s terms, noise reduction rating describes the ability of a certain HPD to attenuate noise. However, the

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Sep252023 by James LongmanNo Comments

Speaker Wire – The Beginner’s Guide

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Finding the right speaker wire for your speaker system seems easy. You just have to find the wire that’s thick enough to fit the speaker terminals, right? Well, not exactly. There’s a little bit more to speaker wire than you may think. But don’t worry - it’s not too complicated. We are here today to tell you everything you need to know about speaker wire. We will discuss the gauges, wire materials, important electrical characteristics, installation process, and tell you about some tricks and marketing gimmicks the manufacturers use to sell their wire. Let’s go! What is Speaker Wire? Speaker wire is a cable used to connect amplifiers to speakers. This cable sends amplified audio to the speakers. It has a core, which is usually made of copper and can be either stranded or solid and a

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Jan242024 by James LongmanNo Comments

IPX8 Waterproof Rating Explained

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Whenever looking for waterproof or water-resistant equipment, whether it's audio equipment (headphones, speakers) or any kind of electrical/electronic equipment, the most important thing to look for and the thing that can actually tell you the level of water resistance is the IPX rating. In our previous articles, we dealt with IPX ratings in general as well as IPX4 (splash-proof) and IPX7 (waterproof). Today we’re going to discuss the meaning and importance of an IPX8 waterproof rating.  IP/IPX Ratings – The Basics IP stands for Ingress Protection (also referred to as International Protection). It is an internationally standardized rating that describes the level of protection against the ingress of solid particles, dust, and water. An IP rating has a general form that you

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Aug72023 by James Longman1 Comment

IPX Rating Explained

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If you are looking to buy an outdoor speaker or sports headphones/earbuds and you did your research, you have probably seen some IPX rating in the specification list or on the box of the device you want to buy. Most of today’s outdoor speakers and sports headphones/earbuds have at least IPX4 rating and some even have IPX7 or IP67 ratings. In case you are not sure what those ratings actually mean, this short article will help you understand the purpose and meaning of each IP/IPX rating. What is IPX Rating and Why is it Important? IP stands for International Protection or, in some cases, Ingress Protection. IP (or IPX) rating is the marking that describes the level of protection (provided by the enclosure of the device) against dust, water, and ingress of other particles or fluids.

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Sep132023 by James Longman1 Comment

Coaxial Speaker Cable – The Beginner’s Guide

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Coaxial cables are quite common these days, and you can find them in every home. They are used for the transmission of audio and video signals, for TV antennas, modems, cable boxes, and they can even be used as speaker cables. If you want to learn more about coax cables, you've come to the right place. In this article, we will give you an in-depth analysis of the physical and electrical characteristics of coaxial cables, talk about different types of coax cables, and list various use scenarios. We will also discuss the idea of using coaxial cables as speaker wire and analyze the pros and cons of coax speaker cables. What is Coaxial Cable? Coax cable is a type of electrical cable that can transmit RF signals from source devices to input/destination devices. The radiofrequency range ...

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Sep182023 by Pawan SinghNo Comments

Difference Between AC & DC Amplifiers

Blog, Comparisons

If you've been trying recently to get a deeper understanding of power amplifiers, you have probably come across terms AC amplifier and DC amplifier. What was your first thought? Was it Alternating Current and Direct Current? Well, terms AC and DC in amplifiers don't exactly refer to current. These terms refer to the coupling method between different stages of amplification. Our article is designed to help you understand the working principles of each of these two amplifier types, and explain the differences between AC and DC amplifiers. What is The Meaning of AC and DC in AC/DC Amplifiers? AC in AC amplifiers tells us that different stages of amplification are coupled with a capacitor or a transformer. These capacitors/transformers are, therefore, known as coupling capacitors/tr...

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Apr42023 by Pawan SinghNo Comments

Do I Need a 4K Receiver for My 4K TV?

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You've just bought a brand-new 4K TV, and you want to enjoy some 4K content, but your AV receiver is almost 10 years old and doesn’t support 4K pass-through. What to do? Should you buy a new 4K receiver, or is there some workaround that can help you save money and still enjoy 4K content on your new TV? Is there a win-win solution that doesn't cost much? That's exactly what you are going to find out if you keep reading this article. We’ll start with some basic explanations and then offer you a few solutions for different scenarios. If you just want a short answer, scroll down to the last section before the conclusion. Do I Need a new 4K Receiver for My 4K TV?  Yes, you need a 4K receiver for your 4K TV. If your TV is 4K, but your receiver is not, it means that the receiver w

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Apr42023 by Pawan SinghNo Comments

Wireless vs. Wired Surround Sound Speakers

Blog, Comparisons

Wireless vs. wired surround sound speakers – which option is better? Well, that depends. We know you might find our answer annoying, but that’s the truth! However, you won’t have to do everything on your own. We will help you by providing you with a complete list of pros and cons for both options. In the next few minutes, we will help you determine what you need from your surround sound speakers and choose accordingly. So, here is everything you have to know about the wireless vs. wired surround sound speakers battle! Wired Surround Sound Speakers Wired surround sound speakers have been in our lives for decades. You have them, your parents might own them, even your grandparents probably have a pair somewhere in their home. They did an excellent job at providing a great audio experience f

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Sep192023 by Pawan SinghNo Comments

How to Connect 2.1 Speakers to an LED TV?

Blog, How to

Did you get yourself brand new 2.1 speakers? Or maybe you found an older model somewhere in your house, and you want to know how to connect it to your LED TV? You’ve come to the right place! Today, we’re teaching you how to connect your 2.1 speakers to an LED TV. Moreover, we will incorporate some useful tips on where to place your speakers/subwoofer for the best listening experience. So, without further ado, here’s the easiest way to connect 2.1 speakers to a LED TV! What is a 2.1 Speaker System? Do you know what these numbers in the speaker system names mean? If not, that’s completely fine! Many people do not really get the difference between various numbers in the name of a speaker system. So, let’s learn! Edifier USA M3600D 2.1 speaker system The first number represents the num

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Sep132023 by Pawan SinghNo Comments

How Do I Connect TV to Soundbar If No HDMI ARC?

Blog, How to

HDMI cables have been around for quite some time now, and the truth is most people use them regardless of the type of device they are trying to connect. However, we must not forget that there are still some people who use some older devices that do not support HDMI connection. Sometimes, they don’t want to spend more money than they have to, sometimes they are simply emotionally attached to their equipment, but it also happens that you have all the devices that support HDMI, but you don't have the cable itself. Either way, you should know that there are other ways to make your devices work together and provide you a great listening/watching experience. This is why we have decided to write this article and help you discover several options and find the one that works best for you. Thi

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Feb22023 by Pawan SinghNo Comments

Connect Soundbar to the TV with the Red & White Cable

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Do you know what the red and white cable is? Are you thinking of using it to connect your soundbar to the TV? You are in the right place! We will present you with the easiest possible way to connect your devices. So, without further ado, let’s find out how to connect your soundbar to the TV with the red and white cable! What is the Red and White Cable? The red and white cable is another name for the RCA cord. Many people also call it the phono connector. That’s because, back in the day, people used it for connecting phonographs to amplifiers. The RCA connector is a pretty old type of audio connector, and it can transmit analog signals. That’s why many consider it outdated. However, the red and white cable is not forgotten. You can use it for connecting any two devices that have the

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Sep242023 by James Longman1 Comment

How to Connect Wireless Speakers to a Receiver?

Blog, How to

Are you looking for the best way to connect your wireless speakers to your receiver? Well, you will be happy to know that we are offering you great and easy solutions to pair your devices and achieve the best possible listening experience! Let’s get to the article immediately! How to connect wireless speakers to receiver in easy steps Here’s how you connect wireless speakers to a receiver: You can use Bluetooth to connect the wireless speakers to the receiver.  If your receiver doesn’t have the option to connect with Bluetooth, you’ll need to buy a Bluetooth transmitter. Connect the receiver to the Bluetooth transmitter, then turn the wireless speakers on.  Pair all the devices together, and you’re all set. Connect Wireless Speakers to a Receiver via Bluetooth

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Sep252023 by Pawan SinghNo Comments

How to Connect Speaker Wire to TV?

Blog, How to

Despite the fact that the TV industry is being constantly improved in terms of both audio and picture quality, we have to notice once again that they are still giving a significant advantage to picture over audio quality. In fact, they give an advantage to all their technologies and all TV components over audio quality. TVs are getting thinner and thinner, they have more input and output ports, the resolution is becoming much better, but it seems that their speakers simply aren’t on par with the image. So, once again, we are forced to reach for stereo speakers, soundbars, or home theater speakers to enjoy all the finesse and nuances of audio (or audio/video) content that would otherwise remain unnoticed. This is the main reason why we have decided to write this article, and explain to y

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Jan252024 by Pawan Singh2 Comments

Can You Use HDMI and Optical Audio at the Same Time?

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We explore whether HDMI and optical audio can be used simultaneously, depending on device capabilities. While some TVs support dual cable usage, others switch to the most recently connected cable. Devices usually can't process two audio signals at once. If necessary, an audio extractor helps use both connections together. HDMI and optical differ in function, build, audio quality, technology, bandwidth, connection type, and compatibility. HDMI transmits both audio and video, while optical is audio-only. HDMI supports higher bandwidth and advanced audio formats, unlike optical, which is limited but provides clean, interference-free audio. Do you really need to choose between the HDMI and optical cables? Is there a way to use them both? If you keep asking yourself these questions, you...

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Aug72023 by Pawan SinghNo Comments

How to Identify Positive and Negative Speaker Wires?

Blog, How to

It’s not easy to work with speaker wires and detect which one is meant for the negative and which one is for the positive terminal. Luckily, we are experts at identifying the polarity of the wires, and we are more than happy to share the knowledge with you! So, if you want to learn how to identify positive and negative speaker wires, keep reading this article. How to Identify Positive and Negative Speaker Wires [Best Way] Some cables will be marked, while others will be colored differently. When it comes to wire markings, the wire attached to the negative terminal will normally have some form of a stripe, whilst the one without a mark is for the positive terminal. You can also remember which is positive and which is negative with color coding. The most prevalent color coding is red and b

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Feb92024 by Pawan SinghNo Comments

Should I Connect a Soundbar to the TV or Sky Box?

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In this article, we discuss the integration of soundbars with TVs or Sky boxes, focusing on optimizing audio experience. We explore various connectivity options like HDMI ARC and optical cables, offering insights into setup procedures. Emphasizing the importance of audio quality, we delve into soundbar features and configurations to enhance entertainment systems. Additionally, we address common issues and troubleshooting methods to ensure seamless integration and superior sound performance for users. Did you get yourself a new soundbar? Congrats! So, what should you do with it? Do you connect it to your Sky box? Or is it better to pair it with your TV? Well, we know the answers to these questions, and we’re eager to share them with you! So, if you want to learn what to do with your

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Sep182023 by Pawan SinghNo Comments

How to Connect Bluetooth Speaker to Sony Bravia TV?

Blog, How to

If you’re a person who tends to be trendy and keep in touch with the latest technologies, Bluetooth technology and Sony Bravia TVs must be your choices. Wireless technologies like Bluetooth are very popular and useful because they eliminate cable clutter in your home, increase usage flexibility and simply make your life easier. Surprisingly, even when two devices follow the latest trends and seemingly support the same technology, such as Bluetooth, manufacturers sometimes trick us and limit our options in terms of connection. Many people who bought Sony Bravia TVs encountered problems related to connecting Bluetooth devices they use every day to their new TVs. While reading their complaints and questions, we’ve decided to write this article and help them figure out how to establish a

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Feb22023 by Pawan SinghNo Comments

Types of Audio Connectors & Adapters (With Explanations)

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Do you want to learn more about various types of audio connectors and adapters? You’ve come to the right place! We will list and explain to you the most common types of connectors you come across every day. But we won’t stop there. We’ll also help you learn how to make a difference between various terms you see when searching for an audio connector or an adapter. Therefore, you should definitely keep reading! Major Types of Audio Connectors and Adapters  There are many different types of audio connectors and adapters available, including: 3.5mm audio jack RCA connector XLR connector 1/4 inch (6.35mm) jack USB audio HDMI Optical (TOSLINK) Bluetooth DIN connectors Speaker wire The Basic Terms a Lot of People Struggle With Before we begin

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Feb22023 by Pawan SinghNo Comments

How to Connect Banana Plugs to Speakers?

Blog, How to

Are you bothered by the exposed wires coming out of your speakers? Are the wires getting frizzy which makes the audio quality poor? We’re coming to your rescue! We recommend you to install banana plugs for the ultimate listening experience. So, if you want to learn how to connect banana plugs to speakers, keep reading this article. What Are Banana Plugs? No matter if you are an expert or someone without any experience in electronics, everybody has heard of banana plugs! In technical terms, banana plugs are single-wire electrical connectors. We use them to join wires to a device. In most cases, a banana plug has a shape of a cylinder with metal bulges which are called leaves.  Banana plugs Are Banana Plugs a Good Choice? It all depends on your preference. However, most

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Feb22023 by Pawan SinghNo Comments

How to Connect 5.1 Home Theater to PC?

Blog, How to

You have just bought a brand-new 5.1 home theater system but don’t have enough money to buy some fancy gaming console, DVD, or a BluRay player to use with? Don't worry, we have come up with a great solution for you! We will assume that you already have your PC and that you can use it for movie-watching, listening to music, or playing video games. And guess what – it can also work with a surround sound system as a great replacement source device. Since many people don’t know that a PC can be connected to a home theater system, we have created this article to help you, and to explain how to connect your new 5.1 home theater system to your PC. The First Thing to Consider… If you want to connect your 5.1 home theater system to your PC, the first thing you need to check are the connections on

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Feb22023 by Pawan SinghNo Comments

How to Make Your Speakers Sound Better?

Blog, How to

Are you annoyed with your speakers’ sound quality? Do you think it’s time to invest in new speakers? Not so fast! We might be able to help you. We have a few tips on how to make your speakers sound better that could solve your issue for free or provide a much cheaper solution than buying brand new speakers. Let’s get started! Knowing Where to Put Your Speakers Did you know that placing your speakers correctly can make them sound better? Well, if you didn’t, chances are, your speakers are not positioned the best way. As a result, they don’t produce the best quality of sound they can. So, we’re starting out this article by helping you learn how to place your speakers to ensure they produce the best sound. Recommended speaker placement in a stereo system (source – Q Acoustics) Set u

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Apr52023 by Pawan Singh1 Comment

USB Cable Types Explained

Blog

It’s easy to get confused with all the letters and numbers that follow different types of USB cables and connectors. Thankfully, we are here to make everything easier! Therefore, we came up with a detailed guide in which we’ll present the main USB cable types. We will also explain what the letters and the numbers in the USB names mean so you know exactly what to look for when you’re buying a USB cable. So, without further ado, let’s begin! The Letters that Come After “USB” in the Type Name The first thing you’ll probably see when checking out USB cables is that there are different letters assigned to various connectors. These letters indicate the exact type of the USB connector and customers can find them in the cable name, usually after a dash. So, we’ll begin our article by explaining

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Aug82023 by Pawan Singh1 Comment

How to Pair Bose Soundlink Speakers?

Blog, How to

If you have Bose Soundlink speakers, you might be confused by all of the buttons with different names and have no idea how to pair them with each other. Luckily, we are here to help! We will tell you exactly how to pair Bose Soundlink speakers, which buttons to press, and how to solve the most common issues users have with connecting their devices! How to Pair a Bose Soundlink Speakers Here are some of the ways by which you can pair your Bose Soundlink Speakers: Pair your Bose Speakers Manually Connect your Bose Speakers in Party Mode Play your Speakers in Stereo Mode Disconnect and reconnect your Speakers Pair Bose Soundlink Speaker to a Phone Firstly, you will need to turn on both - your speakers and your phone. Don’t forget to turn on Bluetooth on your smartphone. Th

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Aug82023 by Pawan SinghNo Comments

How Can I Charge My Bluetooth Speaker Without a Charger?

Blog

You’ve lost the charger of your Bluetooth speaker or you broke it, and now you’re wondering whether you’ll have to invest in a brand-new charger? Well, you might not have to! Depending on your exact issue, we may be able to help you avoid spending additional cash. So, if you want to learn how to charge your Bluetooth speaker if you don’t have the charger, you should definitely keep reading our article! How to charge a bluetooth speaker without charger? [5 Reliable Ways] Here’s how you can charge a Bluetooth speaker without a charger:  Charge your Bluetooth Speaker Using a USB Cable and Your Laptop or Desktop Use a Power Bank Try Your Smartphone Charger Use a Charger from Your Car Buy a New Battery Finding the Root of the Issue The first step in finding the solut

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Feb22023 by Pawan SinghNo Comments

Is JBL Better than Bose?

Blog, Comparisons

Are you thinking about buying a new piece of audio equipment and you’re not sure which brand you should look into? Both JBL and Bose have been praised by their customers for their high-quality, durable speakers. But, is JBL better than Bose? Or is it the other way around? Well, today, we will try to help you get answers to these questions. About JBL As stated on the JBL website, the company was founded over 70 years ago. Its founder, James Bullough Lansing, whose initials form the name of the company, manufactured speaker drivers for radios with his business partner. What started as a small idea turned into a company worth millions of dollars. Today, the company is owned by Harman International Industries. The holding company of Harman International Industries, by the way, is Samsu

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Feb22023 by Pawan SinghNo Comments

How to Connect Surround Sound to TV Without HDMI?

Blog, How to

When people are buying new devices, especially audio and video equipment, they usually think that their features are the most important thing. The better the specs, the better the audio/video reproduction. However, there’s one thing that we all often neglect and that is the wiring. Using proper cables can significantly improve performance and provide you with more pleasure. One of the greatest achievements of modern technology, at least when it comes to audio/video equipment, is the introduction of HDMI cable. It has been with us since 2002 and many of you are probably using it constantly, especially when it comes to connecting your home theater speaker systems to a receiver or TV, but do you actually know what it is and how it works? Why Is HDMI So Important? HDMI stands for “high-de

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Sep292022 by James LongmanNo Comments

What Wattage Soundbar Do I Need?

Blog

In case you’re wondering what soundbar wattage you should be looking for, you desperately need our article! A lot of manufacturers highlight the wattage of their products as if it’s a measure of the quality of their audio equipment. So, is it? Well, to put it simply – no! Therefore, today we’ll show you how relevant the wattage is for soundbar specifications, and what you should actually look into if you want to buy a high-quality, durable soundbar. Let’s begin! What is a soundbar? Do you need it? Soundbars are considered to be a smaller, cheaper alternative to home theaters. Since they have a multi-speaker setup but are pretty tiny compared to their alternative, they are sometimes thought of as TV speakers with better quality. However, soundbars nowadays can come with multiple speakers,

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Sep132023 by James LongmanNo Comments

How to Connect a Soundbar to TV with an Optical Cable?

Blog, How to

Did you ever notice a weird-looking input on the back of your TV that says “optical”? If you did, you will be happy to know that the input actually presents another way you can connect your TV to a speaker or soundbar and get a high-quality sound! The optical input is designed for optical cables that transmit a digital signal. Optical cables work differently than other popular digital cables you know, such as HDMI. That's because they use laser light to pass on an audio signal between two gadgets. Nowadays, people usually go for the HDMI cable and most of them don't even know they can connect their devices in other ways as well. So, if you're interested to learn how to work with the optical cable, as well as connect your TV to the soundbar with it, you've come to the right place! We

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Aug72023 by James LongmanNo Comments

IPX6 Water-Resistant Rating

Blog

Having waterproof and water-resistant phones, earbuds, headphones, and other equipment has made our lives much easier. The fact that you don’t have to worry about damaging your speaker because you left it in the rain or that you don’t have to buy a new phone because you dropped the old one in the pool, is truly liberating. But do you really know how waterproof or water-resistant the device you want to buy is? Do you understand the meaning of those IPX codes that are supposed to tell you the level of protection against water ingress? Don’t worry if the answer is no - we are here to explain everything to you. The main topic of today’s article is IPX6 water-resistant rating.  The Purpose of IP Code/Rating? The sole purpose of an IP code or IP rating is to describe the lev

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Aug72023 by James LongmanNo Comments

IPX5 Water-Resistant Rating Explained

Blog

Don’t you hate it when your earbuds stop working after a few sweaty workouts? Or when your new Bluetooth speaker dies because of a few splashes of water from the pool? There's a simple and fairly affordable solution for your problems – make sure that your next Bluetooth speaker or Bluetooth earbuds are waterproof or at least water-resistant. But is there a way to tell how resistant a certain device is? Well, of course, there is – just check if the device is IPX-certified and what kind of IPX rating it has. Our article is here to give you a detailed explanation of the meaning and significance of the IPX5 water-resistant rating but, to put things in context, we also have to explain the meaning of other IPX ratings and make some comparisons between different levels of protection. So, ever

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Sep252023 by James LongmanNo Comments

Ways to Connect Speakers to an Amp

Blog

Do you want to know just how to connect Speakers to an Amplifier? Turn the amp off. Now carefully disconnect everything you can. Is it that easy? It might be. First of all, let’s see what kind of speakers and what kind of amplifier you want to connect together. Bear with me on this, you might just find out something you didn’t plan to. How to connect amp to speakers? Connecting an amp to your speakers is easier than you would think; here’s how:  Look closely at your amp and speakers.  Select the correct cables for the amp and speakers.  Next, connect the cables on the back of your speakers to the back of the amplifier, and you’re all set. Amplifiers There are different types of amps:  Pre-Amplifier The job of the pre-amp is to take the low-leve

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Mar172023 by James LongmanNo Comments

How to Hide Speaker Wire for Surround Sound?

Blog, How to

Once you experience surround sound there’s little-to-no chance of settling for less. It’s the kind of immersion you could never get from your TV speakers or from a pair of active bookshelf speakers. There’s no doubt that surround sound systems bring your movie-watching experience to another level but finding the right one and installing it can be a real nightmare, especially if you are going for a large system with wall-mounted or in-wall/in-ceiling speakers. For the purposes of our article, we will assume that you already have the speaker system and the receiver and you ‘’just’’ have to install it and hide the speaker wire.  We will present you with different solutions for hiding the speaker wire. Some solutions are simple and very cheap, other solutions are more complicated b

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Apr42023 by James LongmanNo Comments

How to Make all Speakers Work on Surround Sound? (Troubleshooting Guide)

Blog, How to

You bought your surround sound system, hopefully using our guide to surround sound formats, carefully followed instructions to set it up, and yet, the speakers aren’t working! Well, you’ve come to the right place because we are going to show you how to make all speakers work on surround sound. So, let’s make your speakers work! Common speaker layouts in a surround sound system Speakers aren’t producing any sound If your system is new, it is highly unlikely that every speaker simply stopped working, especially if there was no sudden power surge in your household. Thus, don’t panic just yet. Simply unplug the system from the power source and check if all of the connections, including the A/V receiver, are properly plugged. Double-check the power cable as well as whether the speaker

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Sep292022 by James LongmanNo Comments

What Does a Speaker Switch Do?

Blog

What does a speaker switch do? It may sound strange to people that are not really into audio equipment and we must say, this is not one of the most common and most popular topics on the Internet. We bet some of you thought that we are going to talk about the on/off switch but we are going to disappoint you. No, we are not going to talk about the power switch. It’s a different kind of switch, similar to this one but with many other functions apart from turning the speakers on and off. Its real name is actually not a speaker switch but a speaker selector or, as some call it, speaker selector switch. We are pretty much sure that this still sounds strange to all of you who aren’t familiar with audio equipment. So, let’s see what is this device does and why do we need it. What Is Speaker S

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Dec52023 by James LongmanNo Comments

How to Make Regular Speakers Wireless

Blog, How to

Today, everybody’s talking about wireless speakers – that’s the next big thing in the audio industry. You have probably heard your neighbor or your coworker bragging about his new wireless speaker system. You may have been a little bit jealous, even. Don’t be ashamed, we’ve had those moments, too. I mean, what’s not to like. The very idea of not having to stretch and hide all those wires sounds very tempting. We all want one of those wireless speaker systems. However, there are at least two things that could stop you from buying a new wireless speaker system. First, there’s the price. Wireless speaker systems, especially great-sounding and reliable systems, usually cost more than $1,000. For example, SONOS 5.1 system is priced around $1.700. It’s a significant amount of money and not

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Sep292022 by James LongmanNo Comments

What is High-Resolution Audio?

Blog

Technological progress has brought new high-resolution video formats such as 4K into our lives, so there should be no reason why we wouldn’t enjoy high-resolution audio. However, it is not all so simple and this topic has been rising different kinds of discussions ever since it appeared. The problem with modern audio files is their size. An original soundtrack that is recorded in a professional music studio is made in the highest possible and available resolution but the recording is extremely large, which makes it impossible for storing on small portable devices with limited memory that we are using every day. In spite of the fact that our devices even use external memory, which is getting larger and larger every day, it is still impossible to store many high-resolution files on a sing

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Sep192023 by James LongmanNo Comments

What Are Planar Magnetic Headphones & How Do They Work?

Blog

If you have a pair of full-size headphones, the chances are quite big that they have standard dynamic drivers as this is the traditional and very popular technology that has been used for ages now. One of the reasons these headphones are so popular is that they are easy and inexpensive to make. Inside their cups, you can find a voice coil with a cone-shaped diaphragm and a magnet behind them. We can’t say these aren’t great but their main problem is inconsistent sound production across different frequencies, which makes the sound they deliver not completely accurate. Also, being cheaply made, the parts inside the cups are glued together and the glue wears off over time and the headphones begin to fall apart. Along with the hardware, the sound also gets worse. On the bright side,

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Sep292022 by James LongmanNo Comments

The Difference Between Active and Passive PA Speakers

Blog, Comparisons

Speakers are widely popular audio devices and they are produced in many versions, shapes, and colors. They can be big or small, wired or wireless, you can buy a single speaker or a speaker system. They can be found anywhere and everyone wants them. We may think we know everything about them but there is actually one less known type that we don’t write about so often. These are PA speakers and in this article, we will try to present them to you in the best possible way, list their positive and negative characteristics and give you a short buying guide that should help you decide which PA speaker set is best for you. What Are PA Speakers and Why Do We Need Them? Before we even start, let’s find out what PA stands for. It actually means “public address” and these systems are made in orde

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Aug72023 by James LongmanNo Comments

Dynamic Drivers vs Balanced Armature Drivers

Blog, Comparisons

The main reason why we decided to write about dynamic and balanced armature drivers is to make people aware of small units hidden inside pretty earbud and headphone enclosures. We have noticed that more and more people make their choices based on a device’s design. Of course, we don’t want to insinuate that those buyers don’t pay any attention to the device’s specs but if they aren’t really familiar with all those abbreviations, numbers and units of measure, they are definitely more comfortable to make their decisions based on the looks and price tags. Headphones and speakers, as well as all the audio equipment and hearing aids, consist of many small parts that work together to deliver the best possible sound and satisfy their users’ needs. We don’t want to say that the performance

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Aug72023 by James Longman2 Comments

Sound Signatures – The Beginner’s Guide

Blog

What are Sound Signatures? The features of a device's sound are referred to as its sound signature. It refers to how headphones' drivers are set to accentuate or suppress certain frequencies. The perfect sound that we're looking for is actually a sound signature, and each set of headphones and speaker has its own. Whenever buying an audio device, we are not only hoping that it will last long but also that it will sound just the way we like it. No matter if we are buying headphones or speakers, if they are expensive or cheap, our hopes remain the same. We are constantly buying new devices different from the previous ones trying to find the one that will suit our needs and taste perfectly. Unfortunately, there’s one “small” problem – we don’t always know what we are searching for a

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Sep292022 by James LongmanNo Comments

How to Build a Speaker Box

Blog, How to

Speakers are one of the most popular audio devices, probably right after headphones. They come in all shapes and sizes and all of them have their own place in our cars, in our homes, offices, etc. Each of them has its own purpose and depending on that purpose, it has a specific build and size. You might think that the market offers anything you could possibly need but it wouldn’t be surprising if you couldn’t find the speaker you are looking for, especially if you’re looking for the speaker for your car. One of the simplest but the least applicable solutions for this problem is to take some basic material, some basic tools, a woofer or two, and build a speaker on your own. If you think about it, this may be great not only because the speaker box dimensions will fit perfectly your car, l

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Apr42023 by James Longman14 Comments

Bluetooth Multipoint Pairing Explained

Blog

Bluetooth technology has been present for so many years and it has become an integral part of our lives. We are constantly using it without even thinking about the way it works or how much it makes our lives easier. The youngest generations were born after the introduction of Bluetooth and this is the reason why they think of it as of something completely natural. Bluetooth is a very interesting technology and it hasn’t stopped developing during all these years and decades, so let’s say a few words about its working principle. Bluetooth technology can be described as one of the technologies enabling wireless communication within a relatively short range, as the connection remains stable within the 30-40 feet range on average. Bluetooth technology development enabled us to establish wire

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Apr52023 by James LongmanNo Comments

How to Set Up Wireless Speakers for the Best Sound?

Blog, How to

Wireless speakers are one of the best achievements of modern technology and they have become quite popular in recent years. We are constantly trying to make our lives easier by buying devices that are more practical and easy to handle. We use them all the time, at home, at work, even on vacation. One of the most popular representatives of this group of devices are wireless and Bluetooth devices. The most popular products are probably Bluetooth headphones and earbuds but we can’t really say that wireless and Bluetooth speakers are less popular than the headphones. There are many reasons for their popularity. They don’t have those annoying wires that can make a real mess in any room no matter how big it is, you can move them easily from one room to another or use them even in front of you

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Jan172023 by James LongmanNo Comments

Understanding Surround Sound Formats (Complete Guide)

Blog

Audio equipment has an important place in our lives. This can be easily proven if you look at the offer at a local audio store and the fact that every one of us has at least one speaker at home, at work, in a car, etc. Basically, we are no longer satisfied by playing the music directly from our phones or players but we connect them to different kinds of wired or wireless speakers because they offer better performance. This rule can also be applied to TVs. We all know that regular TV speakers, even the most expensive ones, aren’t as good as average home speakers, especially soundbars or home theater speaker systems. This is the most important reason why people decide to spend their money on expensive audio systems, especially if they are moving to a bigger apartment or house and their s

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Mar172023 by James LongmanNo Comments

Bass Frequency Response on Headphones Explained

Blog

Knowing a few basic things about headphone frequency response can be very helpful when searching for a new pair of headphones. The ability to read and understand the frequency response and especially the frequency response curve/graph could make your search a lot easier and quicker. Depending on the music genres you prefer and on your personal taste, you will be looking for a different type of a frequency response curve. If you are into bass-heavy music, you will be paying more attention to the bass frequency response and depending on your personal preferences, you will be looking for more accurate, more emphasized, or warmer bass. This article will be centered around bass frequency response and the impact of different bass frequencies on the headphone sound signature. If you keep ...

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Sep242023 by James LongmanNo Comments

Understanding Headphone Driver Units (Ultimate Guide)

Blog

Headphone driver units are the integral parts of every headphone advertisement, presentation or purchase. Drivers are mentioned every single time someone wants to point out the advantages of a certain headphone/earbud model. This leads us to the conclusion that driver units must be very important elements of every pair of headphones, regardless of their type or purpose.  However, if you ask a random person in the street about driver units, they won’t be able to give you the exact explanation because most people don’t really understand how these devices work. This is why we want to ask you a simple question. Have you ever wondered how your headphones work and how they produce the sound you love so much? If you have and you are looking for the right answer, you’ve come to the ri

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Sep292022 by James Longman3 Comments

What is True Wireless Stereo Technology (TWS)?

Blog

When you look at the audio department of any store, you can’t help yourself but think that there is nothing else to invent, that we have seen it all. However, the real fans of audio equipment are looking forward to the full development of the newest wireless technology that takes the entire listening experience to the next level. We say “the entire listening experience” because it’s not only about the performance and sound quality of your headphones and wireless speakers but also about the entire experience including the comfort at all levels. The technology is called “true wireless technology” (or TWS) and, in this article, we are going to try to introduce it to you and show you the world of untangled and uncluttered satisfaction filled with nothing but pure music. This technology hasn

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Sep262023 by James LongmanNo Comments

How to Measure Sound Quality of Speakers?

Blog, How to

Every browser lists an infinite number of results whenever the keywords "speaker sound quality" are entered. Everyone wants the best product for as little money as possible and we are all trying to find the easiest way to reach that goal. Even though there are so many discussions about speaker sound quality on the Internet, there is one question that arises here – can you actually measure the sound quality of a certain speaker and how can you do that? Every audio device has its sound signature and that’s what makes it unique. Sound signatures can be described by the listeners and the description usually includes the analysis of the low, mid, and high tones. However, if you don’t feel confident doing it, you can always flip the speaker box and read the specifications on the backside of t

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Jan172023 by James LongmanNo Comments

Bluetooth Audio Codecs Explained (With The List Of Codecs)

Blog

The main reason for discussing Bluetooth audio codecs is the fact that Bluetooth is the future of wireless headphones and earbuds. We’ve had some doubts for a while but the increasing number of new smartphones without aux ports has reassured even the most suspicious ones. Apple was the first company to remove the headphone jack from their iPhone 7 and some other manufacturers did the same. Does the lack of headphone jacks imply that we don't need them anymore? Well, we'll see about that later but the fact is that the modern world is all about convenience. Considering the fact that we all live faster and that we are constantly “on the go”, the necessity to make everything light, portable and simpler is perfectly understandable. Subsequently, Bluetooth technology is rapidly developing

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Jan172023 by James LongmanNo Comments

How to Build the Ultimate Home Theater Experience? [Easy]

Blog

Tired of crowded movie theaters full of loud people, dirty chairs and floors covered in snacks? We have an interesting suggestion for you – create your own home theater experience and enjoy your favorite movies in your own house. Cinemas have always been popular and they will certainly remain one of those magic places where people come to relax and enjoy their free time. However, everyone who's visited the cinema more than once knows how frustrating the whole experience can be. Cinemas are always crowded and many people just love to talk during the whole projection. Also, there are dirty auditoria, uncomfortable seats, and pricey tickets (especially if you’re taking your whole family). Of course, movie theaters wouldn’t be so popular if they didn’t have many advantages such as p

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Sep142023 by James Longman5 Comments

What You Need to Know About Audio Return Channel (ARC)?

Blog

Have you ever checked the rear panel of your TV and saw all those input and output ports? If you have and you found them confusing or you are simply searching for a way to establish a better connection and get better audio quality from your TV and all the audio devices in your house connected to your TV, we may be able to help you. Although the technology has been developing rapidly over the past decades, many of us still aren’t familiar with all the terms, audio equipment features, and all their possibilities. One of the features that has been introduced almost 10 years ago but still can be unfamiliar to some people is ARC. As it is very helpful and useful in every house, we have decided to do a little research and write this article that will thoroughly explain everything you should

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Sep52023 by James Longman2 Comments

Understanding Speaker Frequency Response

Blog

How do you decide which speaker is the right one? What are the key factors that make you choose some speaker or a speaker system? We have made a small research and concluded that many users base their decision on the specifications printed on the speaker box. After all, this is the easiest and the most convenient way, especially when you don’t know much about speakers and their performance. One of the characteristics that users find reliable is the frequency response. The problem is - the frequency response range itself doesn’t define the speaker’s audio quality. Also, most of the buyers don’t really understand the true meaning of frequency response. This is the reason and the opportunity to create this article and try to explain the term “frequency response” and help you realize what t

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Sep242023 by James LongmanNo Comments

What is Headphone Impedance? (And Why Is It Important)

Blog

When people are searching for a new pair of headphones, they usually spend a lot of time reading their characteristics and specifications but the truth is they pay more attention to physical characteristics, battery life, Bluetooth version, etc. The part where frequency response, sensitivity, and impedance are listed are often skipped and neglected but these are very important features that affect headphone performance and sound quality.   If you don't know how your headphones work, you won't be able to use them and maintain properly, and this is often one of the reasons why people are complaining about their headphones performance. We have run into this problem so many times that we have decided to write this article and explain headphone impedance in detail. If you understand wh...

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Apr52023 by James Longman2 Comments

What is Audio Compression – The Beginner’s Guide

Blog

We are all familiar with audio compression in terms of reducing audio file size to the size that enables us to store a great number of files on a single device. In that context, compressing is often related to low audio quality as the sound quality has to be reduced in order to achieve the necessary file size. However, audio compression is a very complex process that is often misunderstood. Audio compression tools are very useful and working with them is very interesting. This is the main reason why we have decided to write this article and explain the basics of audio compression so that you can get a better understanding of the entire process and maybe even start working with the respective tools and adjust the sound quality and size of the audio file to your own taste/needs. What is Aud...

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Sep262023 by James Longman2 Comments

The History of Headphones

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What is, besides a wallet, phone, and keys, a "must-have" object in your bag or pocket? The answer is, in fact, quite simple – headphones. Even though the original headphone use wasn't related to listening to music at all, they’ve been present in our lives for almost 140 years and they have significantly evolved since the day they first appeared. Regardless of their purpose and way of use, headphones have been an extremely important part of our lives and our love for them has been growing for decades. It seems that no human can go outside without a pair of headphones. No matter if they are full-size headphones or earbuds, they are a mandatory accessory of every modern person. When they were first produced, there was only one model of headphones, while today, there is something for every

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Sep252023 by James Longman1 Comment

Audio Frequency Spectrum Explained

Blog

Have you ever wondered what those numbers on the back side of some audio device packaging mean? We bet you have. Among the information about impedance, SPL, etc. there is one that is very important for us right now and we want to give you a thorough explanation of what it means and what it says about our devices. As you have probably guessed, we are talking about frequency response. It is expressed in Hertz (Hz) and it’s different for every audio device. It is given in a form of range (for example – 18Hz-22kHz). This range tells us the lowest and the highest frequency some audio device (speaker, headphones) can deliver. The frequencies within the range that a human ear can hear are called audible (or audio) frequencies and this range is known as our audio spectrum. The property t

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Sep142023 by James Longman4 Comments

Speaker Sensitivity Explained

Blog

Reading all those numbers from the speaker’s specifications list can be a real nightmare if you don’t know what to look for and what all the numbers mean. Even if you have some basic understanding of these specifications, you might get confused by different measurement methods and different units. One of the characteristics that can be really tricky is speaker sensitivity and there are numerous reasons for that – some manufacturers call it efficiency (sensitivity and efficiency are not the same things), some manufacturers use dB at 1m per 1W, others use dB at 1m per 2.83V, different manufacturers use different measurement methods, etc. The main problem with sensitivity is that there is no industry standard when it comes to measuring and unit of measurement that would be the same for all th

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Sep132023 by James LongmanNo Comments

What Are Stereo Amplifiers and How Do They Work?

Blog

Before we start talking about stereo amplifiers, let’s say a few words about amplifiers in general because we are sure many people don’t completely understand the working principle of an amplifier. What Are Stereo Amplifiers? Stereo amplifiers have two output channels that they use to receive stereo output signals coming from some device and send them to the speakers that are connected to the amplifiers. What Are Amplifiers? The first amplifier was invented by an American engineer Lee de Forest in the early 1900’s. The invention was, in fact, the electron vacuum tube that was named ‘’Audion’’ and its purpose was to amplify weak current. That, however, wasn’t the final design of the amplifier as the followers of Mr. de Forest (Irving Langmuir and Edward Armstrong) managed to really unde

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Aug72023 by James Longman1 Comment

IPX4 Water Resistance Rating Explained

Blog

If you’ve been buying modern electronic devices, especially earbuds and speakers, you have probably heard about the IPX4 rating. We assume that you have some basic understanding of IPX ratings but we’ve decided to write a short article about IPX4 water resistance rating and explain its meaning and importance. Many of today’s products are classified as water-resistant, water repellent, waterproof or hydrophobic. These terms are used to describe the level of protection against liquid intrusion and are often misunderstood because they are used in different situations and for different types of products. For example, the terms “water-resistant”, “water repellent” and “hydrophobic” are usually used to describe the level of clothes protection while the term “waterproof” is used to describe th

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Sep252023 by James LongmanNo Comments

2019 Product of the Year Award Winners

Blog

The year-end is near and it's the perfect time to look back and try to make some reflections. 2019 was an incredibly productive and exciting year for all of us at AudioReputation. We've tested so many amazing products - headphones, earbuds, speakers, home theater systems, DACs, amps, preamps, etc. Some of them were incredibly innovative, even revolutionary. Some have pushed the boundaries of exceptional sound quality and listening experience. We wanted to honor those best of the best and tell the world about their excellence. That’s what this article is about.  We’ve had a difficult time trying to make a comprehensive selection and not to forget something. There were so many great products but we finally did it. We’ve selected the best products of the year 2019 and arranged the

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Sep292022 by James LongmanNo Comments

5.1 Surround Sound vs. 7.1 Surround Sound

Blog, Comparisons

Surround sound systems have become popular only recently and this is what makes people think of them as of some new technology. Well, this is far from the truth as surround sound systems came into existence with the introduction of surround sound audio formats back in the 1930s. As you could probably guess, surround sound systems first appeared in the film industry and Disney was responsible for this innovation. At the time, the technology was too expensive for application because it required numerous speakers to create the effect of surround sound in a movie theater, so the creators gave up on it. This question was raised again in the 1950s (again, in the film industry) but its real expansion didn't start until 1975 when a new sound format Dolby Stereo appeared (you can find a more thorou...

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Sep192023 by James LongmanNo Comments

How to Measure Sound Quality of Headphones

Blog, How to

Ever since the first pair of headphones has been made, the discussions regarding their quality among their users have been arising. The huge growth of the audio industry and consumer market brought endless lists of different headphone models into our lives and caused discussions to grow into disputes between regular users, professionals, and audiophiles. Their disagreements do not refer only to the headphone overall quality (physical appearance, build quality, comfort level) or to the superiority of a specific model over other models but also to the possibility to objectively measure sound quality. No matter if you are just an ordinary user, a professional musician or simply an audiophile, you will definitely understand what we are talking about. The whole point of the previously men...

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Jan172023 by James Longman2 Comments

What Are Powered Speakers? (And How Do They Work)

Blog

If you’re planning to enrich your home with a new audio system, you must’ve come across the term powered speakers. As this term always comes along with the term unpowered (or passive) speakers and as the understanding of powered speaker working principles significantly depends on the understanding of the working principles of the unpowered/passive speakers, we will try to explain both types, and then focus our attention to the powered ones. Basically, it all starts with the necessity to connect the speakers to the audio source (player, streamer, computer, etc.) and make them work. Speakers produce the sound which is the consequence of driver movements (sound vibrations), you must power the speaker in order to make the driver move and deliver the sound you want to listen to. The speaker

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Sep292022 by James Longman25 Comments

How Important is a Subwoofer in a Home Theater System?

Blog

Have you ever had one of those moments when watching a movie in a cinema and wondering how they managed to achieve such a nice and powerful sound? Well, in most of the action or dramatic scenes, the key is the subwoofer. This thing is one of the key elements of every good speaker system, no matter if it is 2.1, 5.1, 7.1, or bigger. If you want to buy a great home theater system or to add a subwoofer to your existing speaker system, stay with us and you will find out all about the importance of a subwoofer and about different ways of optimizing the subwoofer’s performance. What Is Subwoofer and How It Works? Subwoofers are different from the regular speakers because they are made specially for reproducing very low-frequency tones, usually from 20 to 125 Hz (or up to 200Hz). Subwoofers ar

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Apr52023 by James Longman5 Comments

What are the Parts of a Stereo System?

Blog

What was your first thought when you read this headline? Some of you may have some knowledge of audio systems but many people don’t know anything about them and others think that the question is absurd because the only logical answer is that a stereo system consists of a pair of speakers. However, those who have some kind of a stereo system know that they are much more complicated than it seems. Of course, the speakers are the integral parts of any audio system but they are commonly considered the only part of the system. After all, they are the most obvious parts that everyone sees and the parts where the music is coming from. Well, this is not entirely true because stereo systems consist of at least three parts that have a great impact on the quality of the sound. If you are inter

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Jan172023 by James LongmanNo Comments

Difference Between Headsets, Headphones & Earphones?

Blog

Global audio device market has been booming lately and it currently offers so many products that any ordinary customer can easily get confused when buying a new one. Headphones are one of the audio devices that most of us can't live without anymore and their market is constantly getting bigger. Manufacturers are constantly competing and introducing new models in all shapes and colors and, as a result, it gets really difficult for their customers to decide which model to buy. We bet you have noticed numerous categories in the headphone department while searching for your new pair. If you find it difficult to understand which category you should check, read our article and we promise you won't have these problems anymore. The three most common categories you will run into are headsets, h...

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Mar172023 by James LongmanNo Comments

How to Properly Clean Your Earbuds and Headphones

Blog, How to

Whenever we buy a new product, we are trying to maintain it properly but, sadly, not for a long time. Most of us have the same problem - we get used to things we have after a longer period of time. By a longer period of time, we mean a few months at most. No matter how expensive this product is and how many times we promise ourselves that we will take care of it, somehow, we slowly start to forget about these promises and start treating the product as an old one. The same thing happens with every pair of earbuds or headphones we buy, no matter how expensive they are. After a few months, we start carrying them around without their protective bag or case, leaving them lying unprotected on a desk or bed, etc. This kind of treatment can destroy even the most durable headphones on the market...

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Sep252023 by James LongmanNo Comments

How Speakers Work And Parts of a Speaker (Complete Guide)

Blog

Speakers might look complicated but they are actually really simple devices and in order to understand their working principle, you need just a basic understanding of electromagnetism and sound waves. Speakers transform electrical signals into sound waves and that’s the simplest definition of their purpose. The working principle is a little bit more complicated but we will get to that. How Do Speakers Work? Speakers convert electrical signals into sound waves by using a coil of wire (called a voice coil) that is suspended in a magnetic field. When an electrical current is passed through the voice coil, it moves back and forth, creating vibrations that cause a paper or plastic cone (called a diaphragm) attached to the coil to vibrate. This vibration pushes and pulls on the air, cr

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Sep192023 by James LongmanNo Comments

How to Find the Right Headphones

Blog, How to

Do you know somebody who doesn’t have at least one pair of headphones? Probably not, especially if that person uses a smartphone. Headphone use is widely spread all over the planet and at least once in our lives, we get to the point where we want to buy headphones so that we can listen to music when commuting, traveling, working out, etc. Headphones are used in many professions by musicians, radio presenters but they can also be used by ordinary people who work in crowded places and want to work in peace. Although we have numerous kinds of headphones on the market we still have problems finding the perfect pair for ourselves. The wider choice should make the process easier but this is true only in theory. In reality, we spend too much time searching for the new pair of headphones. This

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Apr182023 by James LongmanNo Comments

Are Volume-Limiting Headphones Safe for Your Child?

Blog

Almost every child today has a phone, tablet or uses his/her parent’s computer occasionally. You may consider it positive or not but the facts are facts and we all have to accept them and deal with them. As children start using these devices at an early age (even at the age of 3 or 4), many parents are trying to ensure at least some basic protection for their children’s ears. Luckily, many companies have started producing special volume-limiting headphones that are supposed to be safe for children. We say “supposed to be safe” because we are not confident about them and in this article, we will discuss it and explain our opinion. What Are Volume-Limiting Headphones? Volume-limiting headphones are headphones specially made to enable listening to music in a “safe” mode. Their loudness is l

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Sep132023 by James Longman2 Comments

Ways to Connect Your Soundbar to Your TV

Blog

We will all agree that modern technologies make our lives much easier. It is easier to communicate, we can work from home, etc. The devices are being improved every day and we aren’t stuck with one piece of equipment for a long time. The good thing is we get to choose and we have more options than before. However, every improvement changes the way we use our devices. They used to be very simple, each of them had only one purpose, and we could connect it to only one device. Today, we can use them in many different ways. Modern devices, especially TVs, speaker systems or soundbars, can be connected to many different devices and they have numerous input and output ports. Connecting your soundbar to your TV is not very difficult and there are two main ways to connect them but the way you

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Mar172023 by James LongmanNo Comments

How to Optimize Speaker Performance – 3 Easy & Quick Methods

Blog, How to

If you have thought that sound quality of your speakers depends only on the quality of construction, you’ve been wrong. Every speaker can sound better or worse, depending on the room where it is held. There are many things you can do to improve your speaker performance and this article will explain them thoroughly. When it comes to speaker performance, it’s not all about buying them, bringing them home and turning them on (especially if you have a speaker system or a home theater system). No matter how much you pay for them, they may not work perfectly in your house unless you make some adjustments. There are so many things you can do and it takes some time and experimenting to achieve the best possible results. The most important things in those situations are the acoustic proper

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Apr52023 by James LongmanNo Comments

Do Headphones Increase Your Risk of Hearing Loss?

Blog

Headphones are the unavoidable accessories for the majority of the population, especially young people and businessmen. This is the fact and we can do nothing about that. Modern global living conditions (which mostly refer to the living conditions in big cities) dictate behavior rules and create our lifestyle. To be honest, it is quite difficult to survive crowds, noise, commuting, etc. Music makes everything easier and everyday activities like walking through the noisy city, riding on crowded buses or using metro are not the exception. If we benefit from a piece of technology, we shouldn’t stop using it because it can harm us at some point. Everything has its advantages and disadvantages. The point is to become aware of the potential damage and try to avoid it as much as possible.

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Apr52023 by James LongmanNo Comments

Is it Good to Listen to Music While Studying?

Blog

Listening to music has become the most common background activity in our lives. We use our MP3 players, phones, and other audio devices to listen to music while walking, running, driving, working, or even sleeping. Music has that lovely ability to make everything we do much easier, but the question is - does the music make us better at what we do? Researchers have proven that music can improve our endurance and performance when running, jogging, working out or doing any physical job, but what kind of influence music has on intellectual activities is much harder question, and the answer is ambiguous. If we observe only studying as a specific intellectual activity, things don’t get much simpler. There are numerous standpoints on what kind of influence different types of music have on studyin

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Apr52023 by James LongmanNo Comments

Music and Studying – Which Music is the Best for Learning

Blog

We all can agree that listening to a certain style of music can help you learn faster, improve your memorization skills and even help you retain more information while you study. Of course, there are some people that need their peace and quiet in order to learn, but on the other hand, listening to a specific type of music while studying can help you boost your performance. Choosing a right music for studying is unbelievably important, and people tend to underestimate it.  Even though it is said that to study it is absolutely necessary to be in a quite environment without any possibility of a distraction. This choice can easily backfire and leave you sleeping at your desk. Effect of music on the brain You’ve all probably heard of “Mozart Effect”, that is a result of a set of r

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Apr42023 by James LongmanNo Comments

10 Important Benefits of Music in Our Schools

Blog

Music education rarely comes into public focus. It is often considered less important than some other school activities. Some people even claim that music education is unnecessary or redundant. Guided by this idea, president Trump proposed budget cuts that could make a huge impact on arts and music programs in schools all over the US. These cuts brought music education and importance of music (and art in general) once again into the center of attention. Although Trump's budget plan is just a proposal, and the Congress has the final word, the very idea of diminishing the significance of music education motivated us to try to explain how great impact could music have on anyone’s life. By elaborating 10 benefits of music in our schools, we will hopefully prove that music education is absolute

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Apr52023 by James Longman1 Comment

Children and Music : Benefits of Music in Child Development

Blog

As we all know, music is a big part of our lives. Through centuries, singing and music play has had an extremely important role in our culture. You will find music everywhere you go. From movies, television, your mobile ringtone, celebrations, and even in the airport bathrooms.  Music is one of the greatest tools for better learning, self-development, relaxation, or just simply a way to express yourself. From the first moment in our life, when we get upset and start crying, parents have a natural instinct to south our cries with singing, which is also a way to express their love or just to interact.  What if parents knew exactly how to use that music to impact child development, their behavior, and to help improve social skills for kids at all ages.  Most of the small chi...

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Apr42023 by James LongmanNo Comments

The Top 15 Music Colleges In the US

Blog

Choosing the right college could make the difference between success and failure in life. If you are planning to apply to some music college, we advise you to go through our list of the top 15 music colleges in the US. Hopefully, you will find it helpful. Juilliard School Founded in 1905 in New York, Juilliard school is one of the most reputable music schools in the world. Regarding musical training, Juilliard follows the tradition of famous European conservatories, and that has proven to be the best possible approach since the most of Juilliard's former students are accomplished, world-known musicians. Some of the most popular Juilliard's majors are strings (violin, viola, cello, double bass), brass instruments (trumpet, horn, trombone), woodwind instruments (flute, oboe, clarinet),...

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Apr42023 by James LongmanNo Comments

Things That Great Music Teachers Do

Blog

Music has been integral part of human life long before people started to record history. Some music historians might even say that music existed even before the first man walked the Earth. Of course, it all depends on how you define music, but that could be quite a philosophical debate. On the other side, there is almost undivided consent of all the musicologists that music was "invented" in Africa, before the dispersion of human population, some 55,000 years ago. The first musical instrument was probably human voice, but some musicologists would say that rhythm came before the voice, and that human used rocks and wooden sticks as rudimental percussion instruments. If we speak about other human-made instruments, there are scientific proofs that bone flutes were used some 35,000 years ago, ...

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